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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 01/11/2011MINUTES OF THE OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room 515 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN January 11, 2011 9:30 a.m. Call to Order The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at 9:30 a.m., at the Otter Tail County Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN, with Commissioners John Lindquist, Chair; Lee Rogness, Vice-Chair; Doug Huebsch, Wayne Johnson, and Roger Froemming present. Approval of Agenda Motion by Huebsch, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried lo approve the Board of Commissioners agenda of January 11, 2011, with the following additions: Approval of Human Services Minutes of December 28. 2010 2: 15 p. m. -Personnel Committee Meetings Approval of Minutes Motion by Froemming, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners meeting minutes of January 4, 2011 as presented. Approval of Human Services Minutes Motion by Huebsch, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve the Human Services meeting minutes of December 28, 2010 as presented. Approval to Pay Bills Motion by Huebsch, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve payment of the County Board bills per Attachment A of these minutes. Employer of Distinction Award Treatment Program Coordinator, Tria Mann, and members of the Court Advisory Committee attended the Board meeting to recognize SunMart Foods as an outstanding Employer. Program participants nominated employers who value their employees and support their efforts in recovery from chemical dependency. Managers of SunMart accepted the "Employer of Distinction Award" which means more than building a good place to work -it is an organization that encourages people to make positive life changes and views employees as vital and integral to an organization's success. Commissioners applauded SunMart for their community support. Safe Communities Coalition Family Services Collaborative Coordinator, Jane Patrick, provided handouts giving a brief overview of the Otter Tail County Safe Communities Coalition. The Coalition sponsors a high visibility campaign to promote safe and responsible driving. She thanked various county departments for their participation. County Attorney, David Hauser, spoke in favor of prevention programs. OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes January 11, 2011 Page 2 Office Furniture Request Mr. Hauser submitted a remodeled version of his office and requested approval to place modular furniture in the various offices and cubicles. Space in the conference room will be used for files rather than law books, which are accessed by computer. Motion by Huebsch, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve the County Attorney's office furniture plan (with minor remodeling) at a cost not to exceed $75,000. Payment for expenses will be paid out of the general Capital Improvement Fund. Requests for Forgiveness of Tax Penalty Treasurer, Steve Andrews, presented several requests for forgiveness of tax penalty. Discussion took place regarding various circumstances that create late payment of taxes. The general policy of Otter Tail County has been that forgiveness is granted only if the late payment is due to a County error. A suggestion was made to develop criteria to assist in the decision making process. Thomas N. Tiornhom -Parcels R02-000-99-0521-000 and R02-000-14-0103-000: Motion by Froemming, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to regretfully deny the request of Thomas Tjornhom for forgiveness of tax penalty for payable 2010 taxes for the above referenced parcels. Pete & Deb Pederson -Parcels 56-000-04-0021-006 & 015 and 56-00099-0526-000. Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to regretfully deny the request of Pete & Deb Pederson for forgiveness of tax penalty for payable 2010 taxes for the above referenced parcels. George & Rebecca Eckstein -Parcel #R25-000-99-0831-000: Motion by Huebsch, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to deny the second request of George Eckstein for forgiveness of tax penalty for the above referenced parcel. A motion was offered by Huebsch, seconded by Rogness, and unanimously carried to establish an ad hoc committee to develop criteria for dealing with forgiveness of penalty requests. Chairman Lindquist appointed Commissioners Huebsch and Rogness to the committee. Mobility Assignment Agreement After discussion, a motion was offered by Rogness, seconded by Johnson, and carried with Froemming opposed, to authorize the Human Services Director to sign a Mobility Assignment Agreement between the Department of Human Services and County of Otter Tail. The Agreement authorizes a one year OHS assignment for Human Services Supervisor, Deb Sjostrom. Ms. Sjostrom will be working with disability waiver rates. Commissioner Froemming expressed opposition due to the loss of a County employee for a one year period. Health Care Expansion Mr. Dinsmore submitted a document regarding health care eligibility expansion to about 95,000 poor Minnesota adults. This expansion is effective March 1, 2011; however, actual implementation could take longer. He explained that clients will be moved out of current health care programs financed by the State to Medicaid which receives a 50% federal match. This increase in benefits may result in additional caseloads for the Human Services Department and a need for an additional Financial Worker. Human Services Budget OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes January 11, 2011 Page 3 Mr. Dinsmore submitted the Human Services 2010 end-of-year budget report. The report indicated that the Human Services Department was under projected budget by $906,982.98 which will go into the reserve fund. Commissioners commended all Human Services employees for providing effective and efficient service while meeting budgets during poor economic conditions. Mr. Dinsmore also submitted a Human Services work plan of Board agenda items for CY2011. Human Service & Public Health Contracts Motion by Froemming, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chairman's signature to execute the following Purchase of Service Agreements with Otter Tail County Human Services and/cir Otter Tail County Public Health Department: Effective Targeted Amount of Contract & Agency Program Date Population Funding Source 01-01-11 Person's with MR State Rate Schedule West Central Waivered Services through or related AC/EW/CADI or TBI Waivered Funds Services 12-31-12 conditions 01-01-11 Rate Schedule Harmony Home Residential Services/ Through Elderly AC/EW/CADlfTBI or CAC Waiver Health Care Assisted Living 12-31-12 Funds Intensive Residential 01-01-11 Individuals with Adult Mental Health Initiative Funds Gull Harbor Treatment & Crisis Through serious and Stabilization Program 12-31-11 persistent MI Douglas County Long Term Care 01-01-11 Managed Care Contracts Public Health Consultations and Through Elderly Department PCA Assessments 12-31-11 Approval to Pay Bills & Claims Motion by Huebsch, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve payment of the Human Services bills and claims as presented. Extension Committee Discussion Commissioners discussed several concerns regarding the management of the University of Minnesota Extension program including the loss of local control/input regarding extension programs. Motion by Huebsch, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to draft a resolution to brief the University regarding Otter Tail County's concerns and offer an invitation to meet with the Otter Tail County Board. , Board of Commissioners Meeting Schedule for CY2011 Motion by Lindquist, second by Johnson, and unanimously carried to modify the Board of Commissioners meeting schedule to change the 6:00 p.m. meeting to the last meeting of the month. The 6:00 p.m. :meetings will begin the month of February, 2011 as follows: CY 2011 Month County Board Meeting Date County Board • Start Time January Januarv 4, 11, 18, & 25 9:30 a.m. February February 1, 8, & 15 9:30 a.m. February 22 6:00 o.m. March March 1, 15, & 22 9:30 a.m. March 29 6:00 o.m. April April 5, 12, & 19 9:30 a.m. April 26 6 00 p_m OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes January 11, 2011 Page 4 May May 3, 10, & 17 9:30 a.m. Mav 24 6:00 o.m. June June 7, 14, & 21 9:30 a.m. June 28 6:00 D.m. July July 5, 12, & 19 9:30 a.m. July 26 6:00 o.m. August August 2, 9, & 16 9:30 a.m. Auoust23 6:00 o.m. September September 6, 13, & 20 9:30 a.m. Seotember 27 6:00 pm. October October 4, 11, & 18 9:30 a.m. October 25 600 o.m. November November 1, 8, & 15 9:30 a.m. November 29 6:00 D.m. December December 13, & 20 9:30 a.m. December 27 6:00 o.m. Draft Wind Tower Ordinance Discussion Land & Resource Director, Bill Kalar, discussed the following changes to the proposed Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) Ordinance: • MET Towers proof of registration as part of the permit process • Interconnectivity intent • Decommissioning as responsibility of the property owner • Dust control while the project is in progress • Exemption of setback requirements for landowner's out buildings Mr. Kalar will research the State's process of registering wind towers and return to the Board next week to request adoption of the ordinance. Closed to the Public Al 11 :40 a.m., Chairman Lindquist declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners closed to the public to discuss litigation in the matter of foreclosure proceedings relative to the Ethanol Plant. The closed session is authorized by attorney-client privilege, Chapter 13D.05 Subd. 3b. Present were all five seated commissioners, County Attorney, County Coordinator, Attorney, George Singer (via conference call) and Board Secretary. Stipulation Agreement Upon conclusion of the closed session, at 12:06 p.m., Chairman Lindquist declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners, open to the public. Motion by Froemming, second by Huebsch, to authorize Attorney George Singer to sign the proposed Stipulation Agreement on behalf of Otter Tail County that establishes the County's claim at $6,010,000 between Otter Tail Ag (debtor), other bond holders, and Otter Tail County and an additional letter that clarifies that there will be no claims against each other. Chairman Lindquist called for a roll call vote and YEAS and NAYS are as follows: Board of County Commissioners Roger Froemming Wayne D. Johnson Doug Huebsch Leland R. Rogness John Lindquist YEA X X X X X NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN Recess & Reconvene OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes January 11, 2011 Page 5 At 12:10 p.m., Chairman Lindquist recessed the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners for lunch break. The meeting was reconvened at 1 :31 p.m. Engineering Tech Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to promote Robert Ehlert from Engineering Tech II to Engineering Tech Ill as recommended by the Personnel Committee. Professional Engineering Services Agreement Motion by Froemming, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chairman's signature to execute a supplementary Engineering Services Agreement between the County of Otter Tail and Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, Inc. for services on the Phelps Mill Bridge Restoration project. CSAH 16 & Glendalough Trail Highway Engineer, Rick West, submitted a map of the CSAH 16 and Glendalough trails which details the segments of the overall trails in the area. Discussion took place regarding when the various bike and pedestrian trail segments can be completed, funding, and property owners input. I Oscar Lake Update Mr. West reported on a recent meeting between Otter Tail County and Wilkin County officials regarding Oscar Lake. There was agreement that impeding the overland natural flow of water from Oscar Lake by building a berm is not an option because of potential damage upstream. Discussion also took place regarding the situation with the Rabbit River. Motion by Huebsch, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to proceed with Wilkin County to develop a plan to install a rock blanket about 150' x 50' downstream of Oscar Lake with top of the elevation at run out level. The cost of construction of the project will be paid from the Judicial Ditch #2 Fund. The purpose of the rock blanket is to mitigate potential problems in JD #2 this spring. High Water/Flooding Mr. West and acting Emergency Manager, Larry Krohn, provided a draft Press Release urging residents to prepare for spring flooding. Mr. Krohn advised hiring a full time Emergency Manager who coordinates emergency efforts after first responders have been called out in the event of a disaster. Motion by Rogness, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to authorize the Coordinator to begin the process for filling a full time Otter Tail County Emergency Manager position. Pay Equity Implementation Report Motion by Jo~nson, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chairman's signature on t_he Pay Equity Implementation Report. Records indicate that Otter Tail County is in compliance relating to pay equity. The report will be sent to the State Department of Labor for approval. Adjournment At 2:31 p.m.,' Chairman Lindquist adjourned the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioner's until 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 18, 2011. Dated: _,,.J"""'a.-,.f'\,..,. .. 1,,,,e ... c-"l~l-"'L£,.,,c>N=Oui~/ --OTTER TAI COUNTrJOARD ~F COMMISSIONERS By: ~~ Lindquist, Board mmissioners Chair Attest: CB/kd OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes January 11, 2011 Attachment A, Page 1 WARRANTS APPROVED ON 1/11/2011 FOR PAYMENT 1/11/2011 VENDOR NAME AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION ARVIG COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AUTO VALUE FERGUS FALLS AUTO VALUE WADENA BACHMAN PRINTING COMPANIES BLUFFTON OIL COMPANY RONALD BOWMAN BRANDBORG LAW OFFICE HEATHER BRANDBORG BRANDON COMMUNICATIONS INC BRAUN VENDING INC CADUM LAW GROUP PLLC CARR'S LAKE COUNTRY SUPERMARKE CERTIFIED AUTO REPAIR RYAN CHESHIRE GORDON CLINE CODE 4 SERVICES LLC COLLEGE WAY AUTO INC COMPUTER PROFESSIONAL UNLIMI COOPERS TECHNOLOGY GROUP DAKOTA WHOLESALE TIRE DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY EAST OTTER TAIL FOCUS EHLERS & ASSOCIATES INC MICHELLE ELDIEN MARK ELLENSON FERGUS FALLS DAILY JOURNAL CITY FERGUS FALLS FERGUS TIRE CENTER FRONTIER PRECISION INC GE CAPITAL (CA) MYRON GRAFF HANSON'S PLUMBING & HEATING IN MARK HAUGE NANCY HEIN-KOLO PSYD LP HENNING AUTO PARTS INC HENNING HARDWARE HILL TOP LUMBER INC HITESMAN & ASSOCIATES PA INFORMATION SYSTEMS CORP J C'S GENERAL STORE JONES AND MAGNUS ATTORNEYS AT MICHELLE JORGENSON CHARLES KAMPA KELLY SERVICES INC LAKE REGION HEALTHCARE CORP LAKES COUNTRY SERVICE CO OP LAKEWAY MARKET LLC LARRY OTT INC TRUCK SERVICE PAT LARUM LITTLE FALLS MACHINE INC LOCATORS & SUPPLIES INC M-R SIGN COMPANY INC. MMD MACPZA MARCO INC ST LOUIS MERICKEL LUMBER AMOUNT 98.71 200.00 805.85 24.58 483.48 2,893.14 139.09 700.00 329.00 2,886.00 28.37 2,065.17 916.52 1,626.95 329.00 18.27 409.06 664.26 2,771.81 299.97 346.72 510.00 132.00 1,825.00 329.00 149.95 3,737.12 1,184.85 536.01 475.59 396.77 128.20 127.80 119.99 1,250.00 92.92 110.00 65.17 350.00 845.00 30.29 1,435.00 445.90 44.07 624.24 7,782.00 5,796.57 8,008.13 625.00 80.30 1,175.45 303.41 543.79 100.00 150.00 4,285.78 72.35 OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes January 11, 2011 Attachment A, Page 2 METRO SALES INC RICK MICKELSON MN ASSOC OF TOWNSHIPS MN MOTOR COMPANY MN PESTICIDE INFO & EDUCATION MN SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION NELSON AUTO CENTER NORTHLAND BUSINESS SYSTEMS INC O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE INC OFFICEMAX INCORPORATED RICHARD OLSON OTTERTAIL BAKERY PEBBLE LAKE TAKE 5 PELICAN RAPIDS PRESS PERHAM PRINTING & SUPPLY PERRIN MOBILE MEDICAL PETE'S AMOCO POWER PLAN PRAIRIE IMPLEMENT INC QUICK'S NAPA AUTO PARTS RED BARN PLAT BOOKS REVIEW ENTERPRISES INC ROTHSAY FARMERS CO OP ROYAL TIRE INC SAFELITE FULFILLMENT INC MICHAEL SCHREADER SEH SERVICE FOOD SUPER VALLI SOTA SOUTHTOWN C-STORE SOUTHWEST EXPLOSIVES STADUM PLUMBING & GRAVEL LLP STANDARD PARTS OF WADENA STRAND HARDWARE & RADIO SHACK STREICHERS STRINGER BUSINESS SYSTEMS INC THIS WEEKS SHOPPING NEWS TITAN ACCESS ACCOUNT US BANK VERGAS HARDWARE VERGAS 66 GAS & CONVENIENCE IN VISUAL GOV SOLUTIONS LLC RANDY WASVICK XEROX CORPORATION 210 LUBE EXPRESS •••• FINAL TOTAL ... 319.00 987.53 15.00 233.16 2,850.00 4,008.00 1,052.86 74.93 71.49 60.33 3,920.25 14.90 303.78 81.38 32.92 96.10 4,116.68 112.40 23.73 46.74 210.00 114.00 41.54 32.86 495.69 20.45 6,629.11 13.97 200.00 2,207.83 325.00 1,002.75 281.97 70.82 195.57 73.28 31.98 631.55 2,000.00 32.31 3,182.74 459.00 24.60 188.51 30.36 $98,820.67 .... 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